top of page
a stack of rocks on a beach

Putting The Pieces Together

Professional Counselling And Advice Services In Plymouth

Your Go-To Psychotherapist In Plymouth

Are you facing any difficulties in your life and unsure how to overcome them? Would you like to talk to someone about your problems? Ben Selby Counselling offers counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and clinical supervision services in Plymouth, although people from the South Hams and East Cornwall also seek our help. We aim to assist you in making positive changes in your life and achieving your goals with the help of our counselling and advice. We have 20 years of experience using proven methods such as counselling and psychotherapy to help people remake their lives. 


Our passion for our work sets us apart, and we approach each case with the same enthusiasm. Reach out to us if you are suffering from relationship issues, domestic abuse, low self-esteem, anger management problems or any other psychological difficulties. We have experience dealing with various issues and will use our skills to help you overcome your problems. Our profession is our calling, and we derive immense satisfaction in helping people. Every therapy session is unique, and we will work with you to understand your story and help you put the pieces back together. If you need an individual therapy session, please contact us.

pattern background

Services We Offer

You can rely on us to guide you through life's challenges. We offer a variety of services to help you.

a building with a clock tower

Counselling And Psychotherapy

We provide a secure and helpful space that concentrates on aiding people in recovering emotionally and mentally, and enhancing their personal development and self-improvement.

A building with stone walls and windows

Hypnotherapy

Discover the amazing possibilities of your inner mind and find out how to use it to make positive changes in your life.

a large building with a bell tower and a lawn

Clinical Supervision

Enhance your professional expertise and skills with the help of seasoned mentors and dependable assistance.

Why Choose Us?

Free Parking

Convenient access without any extra costs.

Impartial Advice

Your needs come first every time.

Professional Service

Experience and dedication at your service.

  • Contract
    Ben Selby Counselling intends to work with clients professionally, with integrity and compassion. To do so, certain conditions need to be fulfilled together. The contract will contain some of the contents on this page to give clients an idea about the requirements of the counselling practice. We will also remind clients of the confidentiality policy during the initial assessment and, if necessary, during subsequent sessions. If clients would like to add any other conditions to the contract, they are encouraged to discuss these at any point during their sessions.
  • Confidentiality
    Everything discussed in sessions will remain confidential, except where: We have concerns that the client may cause significant harm to themselves or others, whether with intent or through neglect of another. In such cases, we will always endeavour to talk with the client before any disclosure and discuss how that disclosure may take place during the initial assessment. The client-disclosed information must be divulged under oath in a Court of Law.
  • Note Keeping
    Ben Selby Counselling keeps brief notes of sessions, which are stored electronically using software approved by the professional organisation, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). These notes do not contain intimate details of what clients might have discussed and are restricted to an overview of the sessions. Clients may request to see these notes.
  • Supervision
    To ensure best practice, Ben Selby Counselling receives regular supervision (discussions with another professional about the practice). However, during this process, we will not discuss any client's personal details or give any information that might identify them in any way other than using their first or Christian name. Supervision ensures 'quality control' and is solely for developing professional knowledge, ethics, and competence.
  • Professional Membership
    As a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Reg. MBACP Accred.), Ben Selby Counselling is bound by the ethical principles of the governing body. These ethical principles and other membership requirements are available upon request. They are also available at http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/ethics.php.
  • CORE IMS And Other Psychological Scales
    Ben Selby Counselling believes in objectively quantifying therapeutic change to demonstrate the efficacy of talking therapies. Therefore, all clients are asked to complete a CORE IMS form at the start and end of treatment. This process produces a numerical score of change, with the producers of CORE IMS suggesting that a score difference of five indicates reliable change. Further scales may be used periodically to help identify common mental health complaints.
  • Payment, Cancellation, And Non-Payment
    The agreed payment needs to be made at the end of each session. We accept cash or cheques, and for client convenience, now we also accept major credit and debit cards. Session rates will be reviewed at the start of every financial year and will generally rise in line with inflation to the nearest pound. Any cancellation of sessions must be made with at least twenty-four hours' notice. Failure to do so will result in full payment for the session being incurred. Non-payment of fees may result in court action.
  • Drugs And Alcohol
    Counselling involves exploring feelings and emotions, which can be challenging if under the influence of non-prescribed drugs or alcohol. Clients who arrive under the influence may be asked to leave, and a charge will be made for the cancelled session.
  • Complaints
    If clients feel they have been treated unjustly or that Ben Selby Counselling has acted unethically or inappropriately, they are encouraged to raise concerns. Clients also have the right to formally complain to the professional body, the BACP. Details on how to make a formal complaint can be found on the BACP website.
  • Continued Personal Development
    As the field of counselling and psychology evolves, it is essential for Ben Selby Counselling, as a therapist, to stay updated with recent developments and ideas. This may involve attending various training events and seminars. While efforts are made to maintain regularity in sessions, we may need to attend events scheduled by organisations like the BACP. Clients will receive adequate notice of any planned absence or cancellation of appointments.
  • Chance Meetings
    Living in a small community where chance meetings are possible, Ben Selby Counselling respects client confidentiality. We will pretend not to know them unless clients initiate a conversation to maintain confidentiality.
  • Holidays
    Ben Selby Counselling takes regular holidays every three months to maintain resilience and good practice. This includes a two-week break during summer and Christmas and a week during spring and autumn. Clients will be informed of these breaks to minimise interruption to sessions.
  • How Long Will It Take?
    One of the most common questions asked is about the duration of therapy. As everyone is different and has unique issues and coping mechanisms, Ben Selby Counselling does not initially set a maximum number of sessions. Therapy duration varies, with some finding resolution in a few weeks while others may need longer. The responsibility lies with the client.
  • Swearing
    Clients are encouraged to express themselves freely in sessions, including using swearing if they feel it helps them express their emotions and thoughts.
  • Endings
    Upon completion of sessions, we allow clients to give feedback on their experience. Clients may also be asked permission to include their feedback on the website. Clients can decline participation in providing feedback or giving permission for its use.
  • Gifts And Presents
    While understanding the desire to show appreciation, Ben Selby Counselling follows ethical guidelines prohibiting accepting client gifts and presents. The growth achieved during therapy is considered reward enough.
  • Certifications
    Although we are proud of our achievements, we do not display our qualifications in the space where we meet with clients. We believe this space belongs to our clients, and showing our qualifications may feel intrusive. Rest assured, we hold all the necessary qualifications and insurance to practise our profession, which we can provide upon request.

Read Our Reviews

Review us on Yell.com logo

100% Recommended!!

“Ben is great at what he does! He helped me so much, and I'm truly thankful that I went to see him. I really struggled before to open up to anybody about how I felt. Still, after having my sessions with Ben, he made it easier for me to open up and helped me overcome certain situations that were tough for me to deal with. I would 100% recommend Ben Selby Counselling and therapy to anyone who wants someone to talk to but struggles to open up.”

Stone gravel during sunny day

Contact Details

Unit 1 Creykes Court 5,
Craigie Drive, Plymouth, PL1 3JB

01752 216989
07832 130190

Get In Touch With Us

Thanks for submitting!

Get Supportive Counselling And Advice In Plymouth. Call Us On 01752 216989

bottom of page